Bed skirt enhancing device

ABSTRACT

A bed skirt enhancing apparatus for placement adjacent and beneath a bed skirt comprising multiple layers of rigid material gathered and joined together forming a ruffled, multi-layered sheath. The sheath spans a distance sufficient to surround a perimeter of a box spring of a mattress. A band or planar piece of fabric may be used for securing the sheath to the box spring.

This application claims priority from provisional application 60/692,984 filed Jun. 23, 2005.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the bedding field, which includes items such as fitted and flat sheets, comforters, duvet covers, shams, and bed skirts. A bed skirt refers to a decorative device used to cover a box spring. Bed skirts typically extend from the upper most edge of a box spring, down to the floor or surface on which a box spring is placed. The bed skirt will also generally cover any gaps or space existing between a bed frame holding a box spring and the ground or surface. The present invention is intended as a supplement to a conventional bed skirt.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a bed skirt enhancing device intended to increase the fullness of a bed skirt. It is comprised of multiple layers of rigid material forming a ruffled sheath that covers the perimeter of a box spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a planar view of the present invention assembled on a box spring from the side head position of a box spring.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the present invention placed on a box spring without a bed skirt.

FIG. 3 shows a planar view of the present invention from underneath a box spring.

FIG. 4 shows a close up sectional view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended for use with a bed skirt. Bed skirts are accessory pieces that are placed above a box spring to cover the box spring and any area between a box spring and a surface on which it is placed. Box springs are generally comprised of loud and unattractive floral fabrics. Often box springs are placed on metal bed frames that raise the box spring off the floor or surface on which it is resting. Users often wish to obscure box springs and bed frames through the use of bed skirts and the use of bed skirts are mainstream and commonplace. The present invention enhances the appearance of a bed skirt and enables a bed skirt to have a fuller, more attractive appearance.

FIG. 1 shows the present invention in use with a bed skirt 2 and box spring 3. In the preferred embodiment, the device is placed underneath a bed skirt and is not visible to a casual observer. The effects of the device however are apparent, and distinctly provide a fuller, more voluminous appearance to a bed skirt. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention causes a bed skirt to prominently flair outwards.

The present invention may cover only the sides of the box spring that are visible to the observer. Generally the device will not cover the head portion 10 of the box spring, as shown in FIG. 1, because this portion is usually placed against a wall or headboard, and therefore, is not visible to the observer. Because the device is intended to increase the volume of a bed-skirt and improve the appearance of the bed skirt, it has no purpose on an unexposed side of a box spring. Furthermore, users will typically prefer to place the head of a box spring flush against a wall so voluminous material is undesirable in the head area of a box spring.

FIG. 2 shows the present invention placed over a box spring without a bed skirt. The device is comprised of multiple layers of material that are gathered and stitched to form a ruffled appearance. Multiple layers of material are joined together through stitching to form a multi-layered ruffled sheath 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is attached to a box spring through an elasticized band 20 that is attached to the ruffled sheath. FIG. 1 shows the location where opposite ends of the band are joined in order to secure the ruffled sheath to a box spring. The band may be joined at opposite ends through attachment means such as snaps, buttons, hooks, fabric hook and loop fasteners, or by simply tying the two ends.

FIG. 3 shows the present invention when viewed from underneath the box spring. The layers of material are configured so that bulk is created from the layers of material. The multi-layered sheath maintains its volume notwithstanding the placement of a bed skirt above it.

FIG. 4 is a close up section of the ruffled sheath. The sheath may be constructed from a variety of rigid materials. Ideal materials allow for the sheath to maintain its shape even when compressed. Suitable materials include tulle, netting, floral material, crinoline, organza, and/or taffeta. Wire or piping may be incorporated in the material to provide additional rigidity within the sheath and lend a fuller appearance to a bed skirt. The material should allow for volume and fullness when gathered and held in a ruffled configuration. The material may be machine washable, to allow for convenient care and cleaning for a user.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular, planar piece of fabric that is joined to the top edge of the ruffled sheath. In this embodiment, the user installs the present invention by first removing a top mattress from above a box spring and placing the planar piece of fabric on top of the box spring. The device is then suspended across the box spring from the planar piece of fabric and secured in place with placement of the top mattress above the box spring.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, and still fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A bed skirt enhancing apparatus for placement beneath a bed skirt comprising: multiple layers of rigid material gathered and joined together forming a ruffled, multi-layered sheath; said sheath spans a distance sufficient to surround a perimeter of a box spring of a mattress; a band for securing said sheath to the box spring; and attachment means for joining opposite ends of said band.
 2. A bed skirt enhancing apparatus for placement beneath a bed skirt comprising: multiple layers of rigid material gathered and joined together forming a ruffled, multi-layered sheath; said sheath spans a distance sufficient to surround a perimeter of a box spring of a mattress; and a planar, rectangular piece of fabric joined to one end of said sheath. 